Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Histamine dihydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for 2. What you need to know before you use Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection 3. How to use Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection 6. Contents of the pack and other information 1.
What Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is and what is used for
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection belongs to a group of medicines called immunomodulatory medicines. These medicines help the body's immune system fight diseases like cancer by improving the immune system's natural role in fighting disease. The active substance in Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is histamine dihydrochloride; it is identical to a naturally occurring substance in the body. It is used together with low doses of interleukin-2 (IL-2), another medicine which helps the immune system to fight diseases like cancer. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is used in adult patients, together with IL-2, to treat a particular type of leukaemia called acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) which is a cancer of blood forming cells in the bone marrow. It is used to maintain the remission (the period during which the disease is less severe or not detectable). Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection with IL-2 will help your immune system attack any remaining cancer cells after a previous cancer treatment. During your treatment, you will always use IL-2 AND Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection or IL-2. 2.
e Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection
Do not use Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection
•
• • •
If you are receiving one of the following medicines:
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2 are not to be injected at the same time. IL-2 has to be injected first. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection must be injected 1 to 3 minutes later. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection must be injected slowly in the layer of tissue just under the skin (subcutaneously), over a period of approximately 5 to 15 minutes. Rapid injection can cause a drop in your blood pressure and make you feel faint or even pass out. You will start your treatment with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection in the clinic under supervision of a doctor. You must be monitored to check how you respond to treatment. Your doctor will check your blood pressure, pulse rate and lung function. Your doctor will also carry out some blood tests during treatment. If you have had one of the following conditions you will be monitored in the hospital during the next treatment days or the next cycles of treatment:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. If you are taking any of the following medicines, please be sure to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist before using Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. Some of them must not be taken during treatment with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection or may need special precautions:
How to take Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection
Always use Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection exactly as your doctor has instructed. You should check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure about this. This treatment must be prescribed and supervised by a physician with knowledge of acute myeloid leukaemia. 3
Recommended dose Since you will be using both IL-2 and Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection in a combined treatment, information about both dosages is provided: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) IL-2 is injected twice daily as a subcutaneous injection (in the layer of tissue just under the skin) 1 to 3 minutes before the injection of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. Each dose is calculated from your body weight. Your doctor will let you know how much it is and how to inject it. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection The usual dose of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is 0.5 mL of solution twice a day given as a slow subcutaneous injection (in the layer of tissue just under the skin). Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection must be injected 1 to 3 minutes after IL-2. The two medicines, IL-2 and Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection, are both injected twice a day, with a minimum of 6 hours between injections. Treatment periods and treatment breaks The treatment with IL-2 and Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection lasts for 81 weeks and is cyclic.
If you want to stop taking Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection you should try to consult your doctor in advance. Please inform your doctor immediately if you have stopped taking Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection by your own decision. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
yourself the injection or you have any questions, please ask your doctor or nurse for help. If you feel faint or dizzy during or after the injections, tell your doctor before injecting your next dose. Your doctor may want to increase the time you take to complete your injection, or change your dose. You will have to inject Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2 twice a day by subcutaneous injection (in the layer of tissue just under the skin), according to the directions provided by your doctor. Always inject IL-2 first. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection must be injected 1 to 3 minutes later. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection must not be mixed with any other products and must not be diluted. Your doctor will explain to you how to prepare and inject IL-2. It is recommended that you always have someone with you when injecting Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection, such as an adult family member, friend, or other care provider to help you if you feel light-headed or faint. 7
PREPARATION FOR INJECTION OF HISTAMINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE 0.5 MG/0.5 ML SOLUTION FOR INJECTION To prepare a dose of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection you will need the following:
Take 1 vial out of the carton. Check the expiry date (EXP) on the vial label. Do not use if the date has passed the last day of the month shown. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Double check the vial label to make sure you are using the correct medicine. The solution must be clear and colourless. If not, use another vial and inform your doctor or pharmacist. 5. Remove the plastic cap from the vial, exposing the stopper with the inner rubber circle. 6. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the rubber part of the stopper. Do not touch the stopper with your hands. 7. Pick up the sterile syringe. Notice the numbered marks on it. Each mark (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, etc.) represents one-tenth of a millilitre (0.1 mL). With the needle cover on, pull back the plunger and draw air into the syringe to the level (number of millilitres) instructed by your doctor. See Figure 1.
8. Pull the needle cover straight off. With the vial standing on a flat surface, insert the needle straight through the rubber stopper into the vial. 9. Push the plunger of the syringe down to inject air into the vial. See Figure 2.
8
10. Holding both the vial and the syringe, turn the vial upside down. Adjust the syringe so that the tip of the needle is slightly above the rubber stopper but still within the solution. See Figure 3.
11. Slowly pull back the plunger to draw the solution into the syringe, filling it to the level (number of millilitres) instructed by your doctor. If bubbles appear in the syringe, push the solution slowly back into the vial and withdraw the solution again. 12. Take the needle out of the vial. Do not lay the syringe down or let the needle touch anything. 13. Replace the cover on the needle. Place the syringe on a clean flat surface. 14. There may be a small amount of solution left in the vial. This is to be returned to the pharmacist for disposal. NOTE: The vial of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection contains an overfill to facilitate the dose extraction of a single 0.5 mL dose. 15. Double check the syringe to make sure that you have withdrawn the correct amount. 16. Take the syringe and follow the "INSTRUCTIONS FOR INJECTION" information below.
9
INSTRUCTIONS FOR INJECTION You will usually inject two doses of 0.5 mL in a day, unless your doctor has prescribed a lower dose for you. For the injection you will need the following:
5. Make sure that the area of the skin you select is exposed. Use an alcohol wipe to clean it. Allow the area to dry for 10 seconds. 6. Pinch up a section of the cleaned skin between your thumb and forefinger, without squeezing it. See Figure 5.
10
7. Hold the needle either vertically (90°) or at a 45° angle to the skin and insert it under the skin as far as it will go in one quick motion. The needle must be inserted under the skin, but not into any blood vessels below the skin. See Figure 6.
8. Slightly pull back the plunger. If blood appears, do not inject Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection because the needle has entered a blood vessel. Withdraw and discard the syringe as instructed. Obtain new supplies and start the procedure over again, even if 3 minutes have passed after injection of IL-2. 9. Notice the numbered marks on each syringe. Each mark (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, etc.) represents one-tenth of a millilitre (0.1 mL). 10. Push down the syringe plunger and inject one-tenth of a millilitre (0.1 mL) every minute, or more slowly if instructed to do so by your doctor. See Figure 7.
11
11. Never inject Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection any faster or all at once. 12. When the syringe is empty, remove the needle from your skin. 13. Apply gentle pressure with the alcohol wipe over the injection site without rubbing it. 14. Remain seated or lying down for 20 minutes after injecting Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. 15. Dispose of the syringe in the puncture-proof container as instructed.
12
observed when Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is used as described in this package leaflet: Hypotension (low blood pressure) may occur very commonly and may lead to light-headedness and fainting. If you notice a severe drop in blood pressure after use of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection, please contact your physician immediately or at least prior to administration of further Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection injections. Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
• • • •
Anxiety Feeling of general discomfort or unease Accumulation of fluid in the body especially in the legs (oedema) Loss of weight
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and vial label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not freeze. The solution should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. The solution must be clear and colourless. Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6.
What Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection contains • •
The active substance is histamine dihydrochloride. One vial contains 0.5 mg histamine dihydrochloride in 0.5 mL solution. The other ingredients are water for injections and sodium chloride, and it may also contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment.
What Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection looks like and contents of the pack Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is a clear, colourless liquid. It is provided in a glass vial with a grey rubber stopper and a blue peel flip off aluminium tamper evident over seal. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is available in pack sizes of 14 vials. 6
Marketing Authorisation Holder Brancaster Pharma Limited Church House, 48 Church Street Reigate, Surrey RH2 0SN, United Kingdom Manufacturer Labiana Pharmaceuticals, S.L.U. C/ Casanova, 27-31 08757 Corbera de Llobregat (Barcelona) Spain
For information in large print, Braille or on CD, telephone 0800 198 5000. This leaflet was last revised in 07-2025 The reference medicinal product has been authorised under 'exceptional circumstances'. This means that due to the rarity of the disease it has not been possible to obtain complete information on this medicine. The MHRA will review any new information on this medicine every year and this package leaflet will be updated as necessary. Detailed information on this medicine is available on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website: http://www.mhra.gov.uk. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELF-INJECTION OF HISTAMINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE 0.5 MG/0.5 ML SOLUTION FOR INJECTION This section contains information on how to give yourself an injection of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. For general information about the dosage and how to use Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2, please see section 3, "How to use Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection". Read the following instructions carefully. It is important that you do not try to give yourself the injection unless you have received special training from your doctor or nurse. If you are not sure about
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 ml solution for injection comes as injection containing 0.5mg / 0.5ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 ml solution for injection is histamine dihydrochloride.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 ml solution for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection maintenance therapy is indicated for adult patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in first remission concomitantly treated with interleukin-2 (IL-2). The efficacy of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection has not been fully demonstrated in patients older than age 60.
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection maintenance therapy should be administered following completion of consolidation therapy in patients concomitantly treated with IL-2 under the supervision of a physician experienced in the management of acute myeloid leukaemia.
Posology
For dosing instructions for Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection in combination with IL-2, see posology below.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2)
IL-2 is administered twice daily as a subcutaneous injection 1 to 3 minutes prior to the administration of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection; each dose of IL-2 is 16,400 IU/kg (1 µg/kg).
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is commercially available as a recombinant IL-2; aldesleukin. The dispensing and storage directions in the section 6.6 are specific to aldesleukin.
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection
0.5 mL solution is sufficient for a single dose (see section 6.6).
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is administered 1 to 3 minutes after each injection of IL-2. Each 0.5 mL Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection dose is injected slowly, over 5-15 minutes.
Treatment cycles
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2 are administered for 10 treatment cycles: each cycle consists of a treatment period of 21 days (3 weeks) followed by a three-week or six-week treatment-free period.
For cycles 1-3, each cycle consists of 3 weeks of treatment, followed by a 3-week treatment free period. For cycles 4-10, each cycle consists of 3 weeks of treatment, followed by a 6-week treatment free period.
The recommended dosing regimen is presented in Tables 1 and 2.
Table 1: For treatment cycles 1-3 with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2
Week number (w)*
Treatment*
Cycle 1
Cycle 2
Cycle 3
w.1 to w.3
(Days 1-21)
w.7 to w.9
(Days 1-21)
w.13 to w.15
(Days 1-21)
IL-2 16 400 IU/kg followed by 0.5 mL Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. Twice daily.
w.4 to w.6
w.10 to w.12
w.16 to w.18
Treatment-free (3 weeks)
* see dose modification for provisions for the modification to dose and dosage schedule
Table 2: For treatment cycles 4-10 with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2, same as for Table 1 above, with the exception of number of cycles and duration of rest periods
Week number (w)*
Treatment*
Cycles
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
w.19 to w.21
w.28 to w.30
w.37 to w.39
w.46 to w.48
w.55 to w.57
w.64 to w.66
w.73 to w.75
IL-2 16 400 IU/kg followed by 0.5 mL Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. Twice daily
w.22 to w.27
w.31 to w.36
w.40 to w.45
w.49 to w.54
w.58 to w.63
w.67 to w.72
w.76 to w.81
Treatment-free (6 weeks)
* see dose modification for provisions for the modification to dose and dosage schedule
Dose modification
Patients should be monitored for the expected symptomatic adverse reactions and laboratory changes associated with this treatment. Doses of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2 should be modified as necessary based on individual patient tolerance to treatment. It is recommended that dose modifications be addressed early in treatment. The dose reductions can be temporary or permanent.
Should Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection related toxicities occur (such as hypotension, headache), the injection time can be increased from 5 minutes to a maximum duration of 15 minutes.
For patients experiencing grade 1 toxicity events
No altered dose recommendations with the exception of grade 1 neurologic toxicity and grade 1 generalised toxic dermatitis. For the dose recommendations for these grade 1 toxicity events refer to the relevant sections below:
For patients experiencing grade 1-4 neurologic toxicity
- for grade 1 to 3 toxicity, treatment should be discontinued until grade 0 toxicity event has been achieved. Treatment should then be resumed at a 20% dose reduction for both Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2.
- for grade 4 toxicity, discontinuation of treatment should be considered.
For patients experiencing grade 1-4 generalised toxic dermatitis
- for grade 1 toxicity, the treatment should be delayed for 48 hours or until all symptoms have been resolved. Treatment should then be resumed using the full dose of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection, but reducing the IL-2 dose by 20%.
- for grade 2 toxicity, the IL-2 dose should be reduced 50% and only increased to full dose if the symptoms do not reappear. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2 doses should be separated by 60 minutes, which should be maintained throughout treatment.
- for grade 3 and 4 toxicity, treatment should be discontinued and not resumed until events have been resolved. Treatment should only be resumed after consideration of risk – benefit to the patient.
For patients experiencing grade 2 (including cardiac function, renal, hepatic) toxicity
- treatment should be discontinued until the event has returned to grade 1
- the time of injection of the dose of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should be extended to a maximum of 15 minutes.
- for cardiac, hepatic or renal toxicities the dose should be reduced by 20% for both Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2.
For patients experiencing grade 3 and 4 (including hypotension, arrhythmia) toxicities
- treatment should be discontinued until the event is resolved. A maximum delay of one treatment cycle can be considered for the resolution of grade 3 and 4 events.
For persistent hypotension, headache, arrhythmia, cardiac, hepatic and renal toxicities
- the time of injection of the dose of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should be extended to a maximum of 15 minutes.
- the dose amount of both Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2 should be reduced by 20%.
Fever
- IL-2 can be discontinued for 24 hours and then restarted at a 20% dose reduction level.
Abnormal WBC counts
- the dose of IL-2 can be reduced by 20% for the remaining duration of the treatment course and if abnormal WBC counts re-occur during the following cycle a permanent IL-2 reduction is recommended.
Localised toxic dermatitis
- treatment should be discontinued until symptoms resolved. Treatment can be resumed by administering Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection at the full dose and IL-2 at 50%.
Special populations
Elderly patients
The efficacy of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection has not been fully demonstrated in patients older than age 60.
Renal impairment
Patients with renal impairment may be more sensitive to the blood pressure lowering effects of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. Although the degree of renal impairment has no demonstrable effect on the pharmacokinetic disposition of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection, caution is warranted when Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is administered to patients with severe renal impairment. However, no Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection dose reduction is normally required in renally impaired patients.
Hepatic impairment
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should be used with caution in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (see section 5.2). Plasma Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection levels are higher in patients with moderate and severe liver impairment, and these patient groups tend to experience more tachycardia and lower blood pressure after Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection dosing than do patients with normal or mildly affected liver function. Plasma drug levels were not predictive of adverse effects, however, and effects did not correlate closely with drug exposure. Dose reduction of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is normally not required in hepatically impaired patients, but caution should be used in these patients.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection in children below 18 years of age have not yet been established. No data are available.
Method of administration
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is for subcutaneous use only.
One to 3 minutes after the subcutaneous administration of IL-2 has been completed, Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should be administered by slow subcutaneous injection at a rate not to exceed 0.1 mL (0.1 mg histamine dihydrochloride) per minute. The usual time for administering a 0.5 mL Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection dose is 5 minutes. To reduce potential adverse reactions, the administration time may be lengthened to a maximum of 15 minutes, see below. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection can be administered via an ambulatory infusion syringe pump or by controlled manual subcutaneous injection by syringe with a timer.
The first dose of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2 on day 1 of the initiation of the first cycle of treatment should be administered in the clinic under direct supervision by a physician. Patient monitoring on day 1 should include vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure and respiratory rate. If the patient experiences a significant change in vital signs, the physician should evaluate the status of the patient and continue to monitor vital signs; these patients should be monitored during subsequent treatments.
Subsequent injections of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection may be self-administered at home by a patient who demonstrates a good understanding of necessary precautions and who has demonstrated adequate injection skills. Injections should be preferably administered in a supervised setting in the presence of an adult family member, friend, or other care provider who is capable of responding appropriately should signs or symptoms of hypotension occur.
The preferred injection areas are the thighs and the abdomen. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should not be injected into the same anatomic region as IL-2.
The twice daily dosing of IL-2 and Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should be separated by a minimum of 6 hours. Patients should remain at rest for 20 minutes after injection of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection.
For instructions on reconstitution and dilution of Interleukin-2 (aldesleukin) before administration, see commercially available IL-2 SmPC.
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• Patients with significantly compromised cardiac function, e.g., NYHA Class III/IV.
• Patients receiving systemic steroid therapy, clonidine and H2 blocking agents.
• Patients who have received an allogenic stem cell transplant.
• During pregnancy.
• During breast feeding.
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should be administered 1 to 3 minutes after IL-2 administration, and not concomitantly. Rapid subcutaneous injection or injection into a vascular space may result in severe hypotension, tachycardia, or syncope.
Treatment with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection in conjunction with IL-2 should be used with caution in patients with poorly compensated cardiac function. Patients with cardiac disease should be evaluated for ventricular ejection fraction and wall function by echocardiography or nuclear medicine stress test and then treated with caution.
Patients should be monitored during treatment for possible clinical complications due to hypotension or hypovolaemia. Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should be administered in the clinic under supervision of the physician on day 1 of the initial treatment cycle. Patient monitoring on day 1 should include vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure and respiratory rate.
Patient monitoring during subsequent treatment days or cycles should be performed as long as the patient continues to experience significant changes in vital signs during administration of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. If significant hypotension or related symptoms are observed in subsequent treatment cycles, dose reduction should be initiated and if required, administered in hospital until responses to treatment allow for home administration.
Caution should be used for patients with any of the following: symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, past or present peptic or oesophageal ulcer disease with a history of bleeding, clinically significant renal disease and stroke within the last 12 months. Where appropriate, consideration should be made to providing concomitant treatment with a proton pump inhibitor.
Patients with clinically significant infection requiring the use of antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals, or who have completed prior anti-infectious therapy within 14 days of starting treatment should be treated with caution unless the use of antibiotics and antivirals were for prophylaxis purposes.
Patients with a prior history of autoimmune disease (including systemic lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis) should be treated with caution. Monitoring of laboratory test results is recommended including standard haematological and blood chemistry tests.
Patients receiving the following medicinal products should be treated with caution (see section 4.5):
- Beta-blockers or other anti-hypertensive agents.
- H1 blocking agents and neuroleptics (anti-psychotics) with H1 receptor blocking properties.
- Tricyclic anti-depressants that may have H1 and H2 receptor blocking properties.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and anti-malarial and anti-trypanosomal agents.
- Neuromuscular blocking agents, narcotic analgesics, and various contrast media.
While posology differs, when Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection is used in conjunction with IL-2, physicians should also refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for IL-2 and observe the respective medicinal product interactions.
H2 receptor antagonists with imidazole structures similar to histamine, e.g., cimetidine, systemic steroids and clonidine, must not be used during treatment with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection (see section 4.3).
Beta-blockers and other anti-hypertensive agents should be used with caution during treatment with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection. Concurrent administration of medicinal products with cardiotoxicity or blood pressure lowering effects may increase the toxicity of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection.
H1 receptor blocking antihistamines or neuroleptics (anti-psychotics) with H1 receptor blocking properties that might decrease efficacy of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection should be avoided.
Tricyclic anti-depressants may have H1 and H2 receptor blocking properties and should be avoided.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, anti-malarial, and anti-trypanosomal active substances may alter the metabolism of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and should be avoided (see section 4.4).
It has been noted that neuromuscular blocking agents, narcotic analgesics, and various contrast media can induce the release of endogenous histamine; therefore in patients undergoing diagnostic or surgical procedures, the additive effect of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection treatment should be considered prior to the procedure (see section 4.4).
Contraception in males and females
Women of childbearing potential and sexually active men must use effective methods of contraception during treatment with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and IL-2.
Pregnancy
For Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection, no clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available. Animal studies showed reproductive toxicity but only at maternotoxic doses, and did not indicate direct harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection in conjunction with IL-2 must not be used during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether histamine is excreted in human breast milk. The excretion of histamine in milk has not been studied in animals, but at maternotoxic doses in rats, offspring showed slight toxicity during early lactation (see section 5.3). Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection in conjunction with IL-2 must not be used during breast-feeding.
Refer to the IL-2 SmPC for information on pregnancy and breast-feeding with IL-2.
Fertility
No clinical data are available on the effects of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection on fertility. Animal studies revealed no adverse effects on fertility apart from a slight reduction in implantations and viable foetuses (see section 5.3).
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Administration of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection can cause hypotension and may result in dizziness, light-headedness and blurred vision. Patients should not drive or operate machines for at least 1 hour after receiving Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection.
Summary of the safety profile
Adverse reactions were reported to be at least possibly related to IL-2 and Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection treatment in almost all patients in studies in AML.
The most common adverse reactions experienced by 30% or more of patients receiving IL-2 and Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection (listed in descending order of frequency) were: flushing, headache, fatigue, injection site granuloma, pyrexia and injection site erythema.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The adverse reactions considered at least possibly related to the treatment of low-dose IL-2 with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection in AML studies (n=280 for the IL-2 and Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection treatment arm) are listed below by body system organ, class and frequency. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. Frequencies are defined as very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), very rare (< 1/10,000), or not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
System organ class
Adverse reaction
Frequency
Infections and infestations
upper respiratory tract infections
Very common
pneumonia
Common
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia
Very common
leucopenia, neutropenia
Common
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
anorexia
Common
Psychiatric disorders
insomnia
Common
Nervous system disorders
headache, dizziness, dysgeusia
Very common
Cardiac disorders
tachycardia
Very common
palpitations
Common
Vascular disorders
flushing, hypotension
Very common
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
cough, dyspnoea
Very common
nasal congestion
Common
Gastrointestinal disorders
nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhoea
Very common
vomiting, abdominal pain upper, dry mouth, gastritis, abdominal distention
Common
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
rash
Very common
erythema, hyperhidrosis, night sweats, pruritus
Common
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
arthralgia, myalgia
Very common
pain in extremity, back pain
Common
General disorders and administration site conditions
injection site granuloma, fatigue, pyrexia, injection site erythema, feeling hot, injection site reaction, injection site pruritus, influenza like illness, chills, injection site inflammation, injection site pain
Very common
injection site urticaria, injection site bruising, injection site rash, injection site swelling, asthenia, chest pain
Common
Other oncology (advanced tumour) studies
Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection and low dose IL-2 have been investigated in other clinical studies at different doses (1 mg histamine dihydrochloride twice a day) and with different dose regimens of low-dose IL-2 and interferon-alfa. The following adverse reactions, not listed above, were at least possibly related to the study medicine:
System organ class
Adverse reaction
Frequency
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
anaemia
Common
Endocrine disorders
hypothyroidism
Common
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
decreased appetite
Very common
dehydration
Common
Psychiatric disorders
anxiety
Very common
depression
Common
Nervous system disorders
paraesthesia
Common
Ear and labyrinth disorders
vertigo
Common
Vascular disorders
hot flush
Common
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
wheezing
Common
Gastrointestinal disorders
constipation, abdominal distention, stomatitis
Common
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
dry skin
Very common
General disorders and administration site conditions
malaise, oedema peripheral
Very common
injection site fibrosis, pain
Common
Investigations
weight decreased
Very common
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Administration of Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection or IL-2 by rapid infusion or into vascular spaces, at higher doses than the approved ones, may exaggerate the adverse reactions associated with Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 mL solution for injection.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Histamine dihydrochloride. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Histamine dihydrochloride 0.5 mg/0.5 ml solution for injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
We use essential cookies to make the site work. We would also like to set optional cookies to understand how the site is used, so we can improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept. See our cookie policy and privacy policy.